Mt. Ruapehu Welcomes Skiers and Snowboarders
New Zealand’s Largest Ski Area Open for 2009 Winter Season
Jul 22, 2009
Renowned for its stunning landscape and exhilarating outdoor activities, New Zealand is at its best during the spring and summer. However, snow bunnies eagerly await the cold weather, as it marks the start of the winter sports season. Situated in the North Island’s stunning Tongariro National Park, Mt. Ruapehu is New Zealand’s largest active volcano, as well as the country’s largest ski area. With the highest lift in New Zealand and the longest vertical descent in Australasia, it’s no wonder that Mt. Ruapehu attracts skiers and snowboarders of all backgrounds and abilities.
The Two Sides of the Mountain, Turoa and Whakapapa
Mt. Ruapehu offers visitors two equally impressive ski fields: Whakapapa (pronounced fa-ka-pa-pa) on the northern slopes and Turoa on the southern slopes. Both ski areas operate cafes; gear rental, retail, and repair shops; a snow school, and a medical center. Beginners are especially well cared for, with generous package deals are available on lessons, lift passes, and equipment. Otherwise, the cheapest gear for hire can be found in town (certain hostels may be able to provide guests with further discounts).
Although the differences between the two sides are minor, Whakapapa easily has the better beginner’s area (known as Happy Valley). Turoa’s intermediate area is big, broad, smooth, and thus gentler than that of its counterpart; but Whakapapa’s intermediate area offers a more diverse and challenging terrain. For advanced skiers and boarders, both sides have almost an identical number of black and black diamond runs (24-25). Since Mt. Ruapehu lift passes are valid at Whakapapa and Turoa, it’s worth hitting the slopes at both ski areas.
Where To Stay Near Mt. Ruapehu
Each ski area has a corresponding village. Whakapapa Village is a settlement that sits inside the Tongariro National Park, just below the Whakapapa Ski Area (10 minutes to Whakapapa, 50 minutes to Turoa). The closest town to the Turoa Ski Area is Ohakune (40 minutes to Whakapapa, 20 minutes to Turoa), New Zealand’s carrot capital, and the home of an annual Carrot Festival in July and the “Big Carrot”. Given its small size, charming Ohakune boasts a considerable number of budget accommodations, cafes, pubs, and rental shops, as well as a supermarket and movie theater. A third option is the tiny National Park Village (20 minutes to Whakapapa, 40 minutes to Turoa).
Mt. Ruapehu Transportation
Amplifying Mt. Ruapehu’s appeal is its accessibility. Two-lane, paved access roads service both sides of the mountain, and there is plenty of parking at the base of each ski area. The drive to Turoa winds through dense forest, while the route to Whakapapa rewards visitors with magnificent views of Mt. Ruapehu rising from the Central Plateau. In the event of bad weather, mountain staff rent and fit cars with snow chains. Visitors without their own vehicle or nervous about getting behind the wheel can take a shuttle for around $20 return.
The 2009 winter season opened in late June and runs until mid-October. Lifts are open daily from 9am-4pm. For basic facts about Turoa and Whakapapa, additional travel advice or up to date information on fees and weather conditions, visit the Mt. Ruapehu website.
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